1 posts categorized "Circus trip"

November 14, 2007

The Bulls merely traveled to Phoenix on Wednesday, getting a "getaway day" off for the first time I can remember in seven seasons of covering the so-called circus trip.

That's not the only change Scott Skiles is making. Yet again, he's switching the lineup for this trip, seemingly an annual occurrence.

It has to happen, of course. You can't drop to 1-5 and play as the Bulls have played without making some changes. And I think inserting Andres Nocioni into the lineup is the right call. He's been one of the few Bulls to shoot consistently and his passion and intensity could kick-start a sluggish Bulls team.

The Suns' smallish lineup and up-tempo style of play allow opponents to go small against them. So Ben Gordon may remain in the lineup and Nocioni might play power forward for Tyrus Thomas. If Gordon does sit, though, it will be very interesting to monitor his reaction. Off the court, he's saying the right things. On the court, he's proven he can score in either role.

I'll leave the coverage of the lineup changes in the ridiculously capable hands of Sam Smith, who is covering the four games out West for the Tribune.